Gastric Sleeve Procedure - Gastric Bypass Lap Band Surgery, Mexico

Gastric Sleeve Procedure

The Gastric Sleeve procedure - or Sleeve Gastrectomy - is an operation in which the left side of the stomach is surgically removed. This results in a new stomach which is roughly the size and shape of a banana. Since this operation does not involve any "rerouting" or reconnecting the intestines, it is a simpler operation than the gastric bypass or the duodenal switch. Unlike the Lap-Band® procedure, the sleeve gastrectomy does not require the implantation of an artificial device inside the abdomen.

For certain patients, in particular those with a body mass index greater than 60, the sleeve gastrectomy may be the first part of a 2-stage operation. The 2-stage operation may have substantial advantages for specific individuals.

Low BMI individuals who should consider this procedure include:

Those who are concerned about the potential long term side effects of an intestinal bypass such as intestinal obstruction, ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency.
Those who are considering a Lap-Band® but are concerned about a foreign body inside the abdomen.
Those who have medical problems that prevent them from having weight loss surgery such as anemia, crohn's disease, extensive prior surgery, and other complex medical conditions.
People who need to take anti-inflammatory medications may also want to consider this. Usually, these medications need to be avoided after a gastric bypass because the risk of ulcer is higher.
It might also be a good option if patients have a problem with their lap band requiring revision, have already lost a lot of weight and don't want a full bypass. The weight loss seems to be a little better and more rapid than the lap band (60 - 70% EWL) over two years. There is still no long-term data.

What advantages does it have?

It does not require disconnecting or reconnecting the intestines
It is a technically simpler operation than the gastric bypass or the duodenal switch
There is no foreign body inside your body
It does not need adjustments or fills
It may be a safer operations for patients with a body mass index (BMI) more than 60. It may be used as the first stage if a 2-stage operation. (see below)

What is a 2-Stage Operation?

Certain patients may have a body shape that makes their surgery more technically difficult. For example, patients with a BMI over 60 -- particularly those who carry their weight in their belly area -- may be at increased risk for bariatric surgery. If you fall into this category, you may benefit from a 2-stage bariatric surgery.

In the staged approach, a multi-step operation like the gastric bypass or the duodenal switch is broken down into 2 simpler and safer operations. In the first stage, a sleeve gastrectomy is performed. This allows to lose 80 to 100 pounds or more, which will make the second part of the operation substantially safer.

The second stage operation is usually performed 8 to 12 months after the first. The "sleeve" stomach is converted into a formal gastric bypass or duodenal switch. This will permit additional weight loss and will provide a much more permanent result than sleeve gastrectomy alone.

Both stages of the surgery can be performed laparoscopically, giving the advantage of shorter recovery, shorter incisions fewer incision-related problems and less pain.

Questions? Talk to someone that's been through it.